Timeline
Employees:
2017
Kyle Clark
Kyle Clark is an aerospace engineer, pilot, and the founder and CEO of BETA Technologies. Prior to founding BETA, Kyle co-founded Venture.co and was Director of Engineering at Dynapower, where he and his team of programmers, engineers, and technicians developed a full line of inverters, pulse modulators, and control systems. His first start-up was Itherm Technologies where he served as a founding partner and Vice President of Engineering. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Kyle played right wing for the NHL’s Washington Capitals organization. He is a Certified Flight Instructor as well as a licensed commercial airplane and helicopter pilot. Kyle holds a degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Harvard University, where he studied flight dynamics and control algorithms.Martine Rothblatt
Martine A. Rothblatt, Ph.D., J.D., M.B.A., founded United Therapeutics in 1996 and has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since its inception. Previously, she created the Sirius satellite radio company. She is a co‑inventor on six patents pertaining to treprostinil, and the inventor of a recently-awarded patent on a brain-computer interface device for patients with debilitating cognitive conditions. In 2014, Dr. Rothblatt was appointed to the Committee of Science, Technology and Law of the National Research Council. Dr. Rothblatt graduated from UCLA with a combined law and MBA degree in 1981 and received her Ph.D. in Medical Ethics in 2001 from the University of London. She is a helicopter and fixed-wing pilot.Martine Rothblatt and Kyle Clark meet to discuss a plan to elicit critical thinking in electric aviation
The BETA team begins development of it’s first eVTOL: AVA-XC
AVA is a 4000lb eVTOL aircraft developed in partnership with United Therapeutics.
BETA moves into its first space at Heritage Aviation
Meet AVA
Designed, built, tested, and flown within 10 months by a handful of engineers, AVA was BETA’s first full-scale proof of concept aircraft. AVA set a record for the heaviest eVTOL aircraft in the world to take flight. This design showed that electric aviation is possible - setting a foundation for the company to build on with future designs.
BETA’s flight training program begins
BETA offers every team member the opportunity to get a pilot’s license. Flight school connects employees to the mission, giving them a common language, a deep understanding for what they are designing, and an important empathy for future operators. Currently, the program has a large team of flight instructors and a fleet of training aircraft — allowing for training opportunities from the Private Pilot’s license all the way up to an ATP.2018
BETA moves into its research and development facility
BETA’s founders were told in high school that, in order to get good jobs, they would need to leave the state. Kyle and Katie Clark - who both grew up in Essex, VT - are dedicated to creating opportunities here at home.
BETA’s electric aircraft, AVA, starts free hover testing
Flight test operations move to Plattsburgh,
New York
The Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) is a 15 minute flight from BETA’s R&D facility in Burlington — an ideal location for the company’s flight test headquarters. A decommissioned Air Force base that once housed B-52 bombers, PBG provides ample hangar space, more than three miles of runway, and a supportive community - making it an ideal location for our flight test center.
Ava's teachings inform ALIA
Throughout the AVA program, the BETA team captured learnings about what would ultimately make electric aviation certifiable and commercially viable. This led our team to design and build a simpler, more refined aircraft: ALIA.2019
Ava's mission is complete — BETA begins design and build of a clean sheet aircraft: ALIA
ALIA was inspired by the Arctic Tern, the farthest known migrating bird in the world. Beta’s engineers used biomimicry to inform many design choices, including ALIA’s long 50-ft wing and large, sweeping tail section.
BETA builds generation 1 electric motor
BETA has taken a strategic approach, partnering with leaders in the aerospace supply chain for critical elements of its aircraft, while internally developing the proprietary electric propulsion system that powers its aircraft.
ALIA’s Iron Bird is built, allowing engineers to test software and complete system integration
BETA installs its first prototype elevated landing pad & pilot station
A crane positions the flight deck on top of BETA’s first custom-built elevated landing pad. Built using recycled shipping containers and designed to operate off the grid, the pad is an option for customers who plan to use ALIA at off airport locations like distribution centers, office buildings, or hospitals. The pad contains modular spaces for crew rest, pilot briefings, energy storage, and more.2020
"ThunderDome," a full-scale simulator, completed inside BETA's research and development facility
BETA’s first full-scale, enclosed-dome simulator created an invaluable tool for flight test, data collection, and pilot training. All of the company’s test pilots fly full flight profiles inside the simulator before completing the same mission in the manned, full-scale aircraft. Data from simulated flights helps to inform software development in multiple areas. BETA’s simulator runs in part on the popular home-simulation software X-Plane.
BETA's first employee on
four legs
Whiskey is a nine year old Jack Russell Terrier. He enjoys short walks on the beach and long days in the hangar. 90% of his waking hours have been on the job for moral support. He runs on three legs and loves baby carrots. He’ll be airborne in the very near future and looks forward to getting fitted for a Stearman harness in order to enjoy loops and rolls with his dad.
ALIA SN1 begins tethered hover testing
Following the first full build of ALIA, SN1 became BETA’s second full-scale aircraft, after AVA, to begin hover testing in 2020 when it began a tethered test campaign.
The BETA Eats program is launched
BETA Eats is a lunch program aimed to provide team members with a nourishing meal, while promoting efficiency and collaboration five days a week. BETA strives to use as many locally sourced, organic foods as possible.
ALIA is airlifted to Plattsburgh, New York
A Sikorsky S-61N operated by Quebec-based lift specialist Helicarrier was used to airlift ALIA over Lake Champlain to the Plattsburgh International Airport. The move allowed the BETA team to complete more specific flight testing leading up to the aircraft’s first full flight.
Kyle Clark
Lead engineer and founder. Former director of engineering at Dynapower, Applied Math degree from Harvard University. Test Pilot, CPL, eVTOL, helicopter, fixed wing.Dr. Martine Rothblatt
Founder of Sirius XM radio and United Therapeutics. Progressive technologist and green energy advocate. Helicopter, fixed wing pilot.Dean Kamen
Founder of DEKA research and FIRST Robotics for kids, inventor of the iBot wheelchair and numerous successful products. Helicopter, fixed wing pilot.Chuck Davis
CEO of Stone Point Capital, Board member of Progressive Insurance.John Abele
Founder of Boston Scientific. Author and non-linear thinker focused on making the world a better place. Pilot.Dr. David Churchill
Mechanical Design and data integration expert. Former Boeing researcher and VP of engineering for Lord Microstrain. Private Pilot.BETA incorporates its Board of Directors
Kyle Clark, Dr. Martine Rothblatt, Dean Kamen, Chuck Davis, John Abele, and David Churchhill form the BETA board of Directors, bringing experience and expertise to a growing business.
BETA’s subscale ALIA aircraft takes off vertically and completes a full transition flight
BETA’s subscale aircraft are an important part of the research and development process. They are piloted remotely - or autonomously - and are designed to test various systems that eventually make their way to the full size aircraft.
ALIA completes first CTOL flight
In preparation for ALIA’s first full-pattern flight, the aircraft began a series of “land-backs,” taking-off, flying, and landing on the same three-mile stretch of runway.2021
ALIA joins the traffic pattern
Operating out of BETA’s flight test facility at the Plattsburgh International airport, ALIA entered the traffic pattern for the first time in its maiden “up and away” flight.
UPS orders 10 ALIA-250s, reserves 140 more
ALIA will be used as a short/medium haul cargo aircraft for UPS - providing the opportunity to unlock new, point-to-point logistics networks all with zero operational emissions.
BLADE orders 5 ALIAs, reserves 15 more
BLADE currently operates a fleet of conventional helicopters, providing urban air mobility service in New York City. The company will utilize ALIA to operate a greener, quieter service for its customers.
BETA obtains crewed Military Flight Release from U.S. Air Force Agility Prime Program
In an industry-first milestone, BETA demonstrated its technical proficiency and overall program maturity, securing a crewed military flight release (MFR) from the Air Force, allowing the company to conduct experimental flight tests of its aircraft with the Air Force.
BETA closes Series A funding round
The company closed a $368 million series A financing round, led by Fidelity Management & Research. The round also included investment from Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund.
BETA’s first music video
COVID has been a challenge for all of us - but together, we are getting through it.
ALIA’s first airport-to-airport flight
Following approval from the FAA, ALIA flies its first airport-to-airport mission from Plattsburgh (PBG) to Burlington (BTV).
BETA opens
Ohio office
The opening of the Springfield, Ohio office brought BETA team members into the midwest, as well as one of the company's prototype landing pads and a new simulator, the "MicroDome."
Dr. Will Roper joins BETA Board of Directors
Will Roper is the CEO of Volansi and former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. In that role, he led all research, development, procurement, and logistics for both the U.S. Air Force and Space Force with an annual budget totaling $60 billion. He is best known for accelerating acquisition timelines and fostering disruptive innovation inside of government.
Martine Rothblatt flies ALIA
After completing extensive ground training, including both aircraft academics as well as dedicated simulator time, Martine became the first non-BETA pilot to fly ALIA. She participated in the flight as a qualified flight test engineer and necessary crew member, assisting with regular BETA flight test activities.
BETA builds “MobileDome” simulator
BETA’s MobileDome simulator is a state-of-the-art, mobile flight training and demonstration platform that mirrors the experience of flying our all-electric ALIA aircraft. The simulator was built into a 2013 Airstream Classic trailer and consists of two independent experiences: one traditional full-scale dome, and another seat that uses virtual reality goggles. BETA uses this tool for pilot training, as well as community engagement at schools, local events, and more.
BETA opens Washington,
D.C. office
Just steps from Capitol Hill, team members at BETA’s Washington, D.C. office support numerous government, certification, and defense engagements.
2022
U.S. Army partners with BETA
BETA and the U.S. Army partnered to collaborate on the development of eVTOL aircraft for defense purposes. BETA becomes the first eVTOL developer to have partnerships with two branches of the U.S. military.
The U.S. Air Force flies ALIA - its first crewed flight with an Agility Prime partner
After 2+ years of partnership through the USAF’s Agility Prime program, two U.S. Air Force pilots came to Burlington, VT and after extensive training, flew ALIA in the first-ever manned flight demo with an Agility Prime partner.
BETA closes Series B funding round
BETA closed a $375 million Series B funding round led by TPG Rise Climate and returning investor Fidelity Management & Research company. The funds, which included a second investment from Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, helped to continue funding the company’s certification and manufacturing efforts.
LCI orders 50 ALIAs, reserves 75 more
LCI is an international lessor of both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. The company will use ALIA to supplement its growing fleet and offer a more sustainable solution in its leasing portfolio.
BETA launches “Study Hall” technology demonstration program
Team Members from across the company fused design and first principles engineering to develop demonstrators of the core technologies BETA uses to electrify aviation.
ALIA’s first cross-country flight
The team took ALIA on the road for the first time. The aircraft completed a proof-of-concept flight to Manchester, NH and back to Burlington, VT.
Mike Stone joins BETA Board of Directors
Mike Stone is Founder of FS Investors. He serves as CIO of Rise & Rise Climate Funds, a $14B global impact investment group and as Co-MP of TPG Growth, a $15B private equity fund manager. Mike serves on various boards at Duke University, Rady Children’s Hospital, & Scripps Institute. He is Chairman of the Board of Wilderness Safaris & Element Markets. He serves on the Library of Congress’ Madison Council & Harvard’s Committee on University Resources.
ALIA SN2 enters extensive hover campaign
ALIA SN2 was the company’s third full-scale aircraft to hover. AVA and ALIA SN1 informed iterations on the motors, flight controllers, and test procedures used in this test campaign.
ALIA completes 2,400+ mile cross-country mission
ALIA flew through 7 states, stopping to charge on the company’s own charging infrastructure on its way to Bentonville, AR. The aircraft successfully navigated the national airspace system, real-world weather conditions, and new and unfamiliar airports. ALIA landed at several partner facilities including Amazon’s fulfillment center in Cincinnati, OH and UPS Worldport in Louisville, KY. On the final leg of the trip, ALIA flew her longest leg yet - 293 miles.
BETA breaks ground on South Burlington manufacturing facility
BETA broke ground on the first phase of its 375,000 sq. ft manufacturing facility on the south end of runway 33 at the Burlington International Airport. The facility, which will produce and assemble BETA’s all-electric aircraft, and upon completion, will be the largest net-zero facility east of the Mississippi. The full campus build out features community spaces in addition to the dedicated manufacturing floor.
The U.S. Army flies ALIA
The U.S. Army conducted its first crewed flight of an electric aircraft by flying ALIA. The flights, similar to the company’s other qualification evaluations, were performed following pilot completion of an extensive ground training program, which included both aircraft academics as well as dedicated simulator time.
Bristow Group orders 5 ALIAs, reserves 50 more
Bristow Group is the largest operator of vertical-lift aircraft in the world. ALIA will allow them to serve logistics and offshore missions using all-electric aircraft.
104 students fly during Young Eagles day at BETA
BETA and EAA Chapter 613 partnered to host a Young Eagles girls-in-aviation rally at the Burlington International Airport. The event offered airplane rides and aviation-related activities aimed at educating and inspiring girls ages 8-17.
BETA launches smartphone app, new design to power charging network
In September 2022, BETA launched its smartphone app that is designed to interact with the company’s EV charging solutions, as well as its refined charge cube design for electric aircraft. Used both for ground-based EVs as well as electric aircraft charging, the app is available to anyone on the Apple and Google Play app stores.
BETA expands to St. Albans to build battery
validation facility
BETA signed a lease to repurpose the old Energizer battery facility, supporting the validation of its aerospace grade battery packs.
A subscale ALIA aircraft flies fully autonomously
ALIA launches as first eVTOL aircraft in X-Plane 12
ALIA travels 861 miles to Louisville, KY, meets U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg
BETA conducts 50-ft battery drop test
BETA partnered with the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and the FAA to conduct a 50ft drop test on a full-scale battery system designed for an electric aircraft. The BETA-designed battery pack absorbed the load with no significant damage at the cell or pack level. A successful result was achieved, demonstrating completion of our intended means of compliance for a battery system.
Air New Zealand selects BETA as one of four developers for Mission NextGen program
Air New Zealand selected BETA - along with 3 other electric aircraft companies - as a partner for its Mission NextGen sustainable aircraft development program. The program aims to have next generation aircraft flying in the country by 2026.
ALIA completes non-stop 336 nautical mile flight
From Jamestown, NY to Plattsburgh, NY, ALIA completed her longest non-stop, battery powered flight. At 336 nautical miles, it is believed to be the longest flight of an electric aircraft to date.2023
Overall Wednesday
FAA test pilots conduct qualitative evaluation of ALIA
FAA test pilots and flight test engineers came to BETA to complete a qual eval of ALIA. The program included an extensive ground school class as well as time in BETA’s simulator with current test pilots, ultimately culminating in real-world flights in the company’s SN1 aircraft.
ALIA completes demo flight with BLADE
in Greater NYC area
In February, ALIA completed a demonstration flight with BETA customer BLADE at the HPN airport outside of NYC. The demonstration was preceded by another airport-to-airport flight from the company’s flight test facility in Plattsburgh, NY the day prior.
BETA and CV-TEC partner to train next generation of aerospace painters
To support the future production of electric aircraft, BETA and CV-TEC partnered to launch a pilot program to train the next generation of certified Aerospace Coating Applicator Specialists (ACAS). Four students from CV-TEC were chosen to complete the initial pilot program.
BETA opens office in Montréal
An office in Montréal is opened to tap into the city’s large aerospace talent pool and support the company’s structural engineering and materials processing efforts.
BETA to certify and produce all-electric, fixed wing aircraft, ALIA CX300
After flying 22,000 lifetime flight miles, completing test flights with pilots from the Army, Air Force, and FAA, as well as fielding increasing demand from customers, BETA unveiled plans to certify the CX300 - a conventional take-off and landing variant (eCTOL) of its aircraft alongside the ALIA-250 eVTOL. In addition, Bristow, United Therapeutics, and Air New Zealand placed orders for the CX300.
Kyle testifies in front of Congress
Alongside other key industry leaders, Kyle testified in front of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Aviation as a part of Congress' FAA Reauthorization process, discussing the promise that advanced air mobility has for the future of American aviation and what needs to happen to make it a reality.
First Lady and U.S. Secretary of Education Visit BETA
In April, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona visited BETA as a part of a four-state tour highlighting American programs to promote workforce development. Dr. Biden and Sec. Cardona were both able to hear from two BETA interns about their experience at the company, how it has shaped their education both in and out of the classroom, and how it has influenced their career trajectory.